Understanding Malay voters


Changing demographic: Some were surprised that many urban Malay voters voted for conservative PAS. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

FROM about a year before November’s general elections, right up to the present time, this writer has been inundated with questions about Malay voters, especially those who voted for Perikatan Nasional.

My catch-ups with friends have been intense, and the ones grilling me were urban, English-educated or English-speaking Malays who come from middle to upper middle income families, aghast at knowing their “rural counterparts” dared to vote for Perikatan, especially PAS, which is a component party in the coalition. My acquaintances’ religious leanings vary from liberal and secular to religiously observant Malays – and 90% wanted to know where these “kampung Malays” were from.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Focus

‘Politics of hope’: Cynicism is not a strategy!
Finding screen-life balance for seniors
When parents won’t put their phones down
'My crazy friend': The crown of Epstein's circle
Inside the blind box economy: Why we can’t stop unboxing
A giant beneath the steppe
Fighting for every breath
The man behind the club
Maimed by someone else’s war
Search for elusive snow

Others Also Read